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Marriage Equality To Go Before Maine Voters Again

“Once more unto the breach dear friends!”

Advocates for marriage equality are returning to the ballot box in Maine. They have delivered more than 105,000 signatures in an effort to trigger a Citizens Initiative, which would enact a marriage equality law. This push comes after two years of outreach and education efforts in the state. Currently 54% of Mainers support marriage equality.

EqualityMaine executive director Betsy Smith stated that “The number of signatures we gathered and the thoughtful conversations we’ve been having with voters tell us that Mainers are eager to speak on this question again. Our polling shows a 54% majority of support for same-sex marriage in Maine. Many Mainers have changed their minds and want a chance to bring equality and fairness to our state.”

Pastor Michael Gray of Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church said “I grew up in Maine and always considered myself a conservative guy, but I have taken a journey toward supporting marriage for gays and lesbians. I really struggled with the issue of same-sex marriage, but through study, prayer, and patience, I can gratefully say that my faith now informs me differently.”

Also quoted in the article is Janet Spencer of Glenburn who said “Having grown up in an era where homosexuality was not often discussed, I had never given much thought to whether gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry, but in the past couple years I’ve learned why it’s so important to them. I came to see that, if gay and lesbian couples share the same love and commitment that my husband and I have for one another, there simply is no alternative to being able to marry the person you love.”

The WhyMarriageMattersMaine article explains:

The title of the proposed Citizens Initiative is “An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-Sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom.” The proposed ballot question wording submitted to the Secretary of State in June of last year reads as follows: “Do you favor a law allowing marriage licenses for same-sex couples, and that protects religious freedom by ensuring that no religion or clergy be required to perform such a marriage in violation of their religious beliefs?”

Back in 2009, Maine passed marriage equality legislation only to have it be struck down by a People’s Veto. In the end, only 16,500 votes stood between those who voted ‘no’ and those who voted ‘yes’ on vetoing that law.